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showy rattlebox

Scientific Name: Crotalaria spectabilis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis)

The Showy Rattlebox, scientifically known as Crotalaria spectabilis, is an impressive plant with bright golden yellow flowers. Its common name comes from the fact that its seeds become loose and rattle within the pods as they mature.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the plant's seedpods and seeds, which are small parts that could be ingested by pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Crotalaria spectabilis Roth
  • Common Names: Showy Rattlebox, Rattlebox, Showy Crotalaria, Rattlebox Showy Crotalaria, Loco Weed
  • Synonyms:
    • Crotalaria retzii A.S. Hitchc.
    • C. sericea Retz., nom. illeg. anomalous
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
  • Kingdom: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be Plantae as it is a plant.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Indo-Malaysian area.
  • Widely planted around the world's tropics.
  • Commonly found along roadsides in Florida.
  • Also found throughout the Southeastern United States.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an invasive species in some regions, including Florida.
  • Has a great capacity for atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
  • Used for production of green mass.
  • Attracts beneficial insects.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual plant.
  • Grows as a forb/herb.
  • Can reach heights up to six feet.
  • Features bright, showy, pea-like yellow flowers up to one inch wide.
  • Flowers bloom in large clusters.
  • Tall, purple-green stems.
  • Large leaves crowd below the flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts beneficial insects and settlers.
  • May host Bush Katydids, such as Scudderia texensis.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "rattlebox" comes from the rattling sound of the loose seeds in the mature seedpods when shaken.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symb
  • USF Herbarium Specimen
  • Invasive Plant Atlas
  • WSSA WeedList
  • PlantFiles: Rattlebox, Crotolaria spectabilis. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2337/